Somehow, Labor Day is once again right around the corner. This federal holiday (and well-deserved tip of the hat to the American workforce) is usually celebrated with picnics, parties, and plenty of time off.
But like most modern festivities, Labor Day has become quite commercialized over the years, with big box stores and major brands offering huge deals and discounts. Which seems a little counterintuitive when you consider the origins of the holiday.
Labor Day sprouted from the labor movement in the late 19th century, which was organized by workers to fight for better wages and working conditions. It's observed on the first Monday in September as a way to recognize and honor those who work tirelessly to keep our economy up and running. Giving employees the day off is a way employers demonstrate their gratitude.
While many companies do close their doors for Labor Day, the majority of major retailers stay open—and slash prices. A 2022 survey reported that over a third of consumers plan to shop for Labor Day deals over the long weekend, and 88% of those shoppers plan to do so in person. So while you'll definitely have to fight some crowds, this holiday weekend can be a great time for those big, pricey purchases like computers, appliances, mattresses, furniture, and even cars.
Whether you're making a last-minute run to the grocery store for the barbecue or looking for a great deal on a big-ticket item, we consulted with the database StoreHolidayHours.org and the stores themselves for a list of places that are open for business on Labor Day 2023. Always check with your local spot to confirm their hours, but the stores below should be open.
Grocery Stores
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Need to pick up something for the Labor Day feast? These grocery stores will be open:
- ACME Markets: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Albertsons: Stores are open for normal business hours, though pharmacy hours may vary.
- ALDI: Stores will be open for reduced hours.
- BJ's Wholesale Club: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Giant Food Store: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- HEB: Stores are open for normal business hours, and the pharmacies are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Hy-Vee: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Kroger: Stores are open for normal business hours, though pharmacy hours may vary.
- Pavillions: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Piggly Wiggly: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Publix: Stores are open for normal business hours, though pharmacy hours may vary.
- Randall's: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Safeway: Stores are open for normal business hours, though pharmacy hours may vary.
- Sam's Club: Stores are open for reduced business hours, closing at 6 p.m., with pharmacy hours varying based on location.
- Shaw's: Stores are open for normal business hours, though pharmacy hours may vary.
- Star Market: Stores are open for normal business hours, though pharmacy hours may vary.
- Trader Joe's: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Wegmans: Stores are open for normal business hours, though pharmacy hours may vary.
- Whole Foods Market: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Vons: Stores are open for normal business hours, though pharmacy hours may vary.
Retail Stores
If you're looking to score some deals, we've got good news: most malls, department stores, and big box retailers will be open on Labor Day. Be sure to check your local store's hours before heading out, but the following retail stores are open for business.
- Best Buy: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Big Lots: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Home Depot: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- JCPenney: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Kohl's: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Lowe's: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Macy's: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Target: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Walmart: Stores are open for normal business hours, though pharmacy hours may vary.
Convenience Stores
For those last-minute errands and quick trips, look no further than your local convenience store. The following stores will be open and stocked up on snacks, drinks, and toiletries for Labor Day:
- 7-Eleven: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Circle K: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- CVS: Stores are open for normal business hours, though pharmacy hours may vary.
- Cumberland Farms: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Rite Aid: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Walgreens: Stores are open for normal business hours.
- Wawa: Stores are open for normal business hours.
What Stores Are Closed on Labor Day?
Unfortunately for shoppers (but fortunately for workers), Costo closes all of its warehouses on Labor Day. Smaller shops and retailers will vary with their hours, but banks, post offices, FedEx, UPS, DMVs and public libraries will also be closed.
